Vikes crews return home for double-header weekend

October 22, 2013, Victoria, B.C. (ISN) – The University of Victoria Vikes men’s and women’s rowing crews return home to host the annual Head of the Gorge and Head of the Elk regattas, Oct. 26 and 27, respectively.

Following dual second-place finishes at the Western Canadian University Rowing Championships, this past weekend, this will be the final competition for the Vikes crews before they head to Montreal for the Canadian University National Championships, Nov. 2-3.

Known for it’s unique layout, Head of the Gorge features a sprint to the Tillicum Narrows, where space is limited to room for just a single boat to pass through at a time. The precarious nature of the section creates a spectacle for spectators as crews are directed past a loudspeaker as they make their way through the pass.

In 2012, UVic captured first in the women’s eight, while the men’s eight finished second behind UBC. In addition to the challenge of the Tillicum Narrows, both the men and women battled through adverse weather conditions throughout the day.

Following the Oct. 26 action at Head of the Gorge, the Vikes will host their second competition the Head of the Elk, typically rowed by the junior Vikes rowing crews. Providing a boost to the young Vikes crews will be rowers Alex Walker and Emily Garry, who return to competition after missing last weekend’s action due to various ailments.

Head of the Gorge competition begins Oct. 26 at 10 a.m., while Head of the Elk will begin at Oct. 27. 9:30 a.m.